The Japan Times

North Korean women crowned Asian club champions in South

The first North Korean sports team to visit the South in eight years crowned their trip by winning the Asian Women's Champions League, beating Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in Saturday's final.

Waratahs 'on right track' despite crushing Brumbies loss

NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar insists his side are "on the right track" despite their Super Rugby season hanging by a thread after a crushing 21-14 defeat to the ACT Brumbies.

South Korean Kim flirts with 59, shoots 60 to lead CJ Cup Byron Nelson

Kim Si-woo carded a spectacular 60 marred only by an agonizing bogey at the last to seize a five-shot lead on Friday at the PGA Tour CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Mckinney, Texas.

NASCAR boss pays tribute to 'badass' Kyle Busch

NASCAR chief Steve O'Donnell paid tribute to "American badass" Kyle Busch on Friday, one day after the two-time Cup series champion acknowledged as one of the sport's greats died suddenly at the age of 41.

Russell bounces back to beat Antonelli in sprint qualifying

George Russell bounced back on Friday to claim pole position in qualifying for Saturday’s sprint race at the Canadian Grand Prix ahead of championship leader and Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli.

Lens beat Nice to win French Cup for first time

Lens won the French Cup for the first time in their history with a 3-1 victory over Nice in the final at the Stade de France on Friday.

Vunipola guides Montpellier past Ulster to Challenge Cup triumph

Former England No 8 Billy Vunipola was instrumental as Montpellier trounced Ulster 59-26 on Friday in Bilbao, Spain, to win the Challenge Cup for a third time.

Ace, eagle lift Im to early CJ Cup Byron Nelson lead

Im Sung-jae conjured a hole-in-one and a closing eagle to cap a 10-under par 61 on Friday to share the early clubhouse lead over a red-hot Jordan Spieth at the PGA Tour CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

Antonelli romps opening practice ahead of Russell

Championship leading Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli set the pace on Friday ahead of Mercedes team-mate George Russell in an incident-hit extended opening practice at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Klaasen helps Hyderabad past Bangalore

A powerhouse batting display, headlined by three frenetic half-centuries, set up Sunrisers Hyderabad’s comprehensive 55-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday, though it wasn’t enough to secure them a top-two finish as both teams completed their league engagements on 18 points apiece.

Gauff at ease in Paris as she prepares to defend French Open title

Coco Gauff is keen to sidestep any pressure that might come with starting Roland Garros as the defending women's champion as she returns to the site of her most consistent Grand Slam success.

Pep 'made me believe I could be a coach', says Kompany

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said former mentor Pep Guardiola, who announced on Friday he is leaving Manchester City, gave him the belief to become a manager.

Rising Spain star Jodar wants to 'follow own path' at Roland Garros

Rafael Jodar may share the same first name and nationality as Roland Garros' greatest ever champion but the Spanish teenager told reporters Friday that he wants to do things his way as he prepares to make his Grand Slam debut on clay.

Wawrinka considering return for famous French Open shorts

Stan Wawrinka says he is considering giving the famous pair of shorts he wore en route to the 2015 French Open title a final wear at his farewell Roland Garros, but he will have to ask to borrow them back from the tournament's on-site museum.

Success fuels Guardiola's campaign for a 'better society'

Pep Guardiola is more than a football manager, using his high-profile platform to highlight causes close to his heart.

Spurs must play with 'blood, character, and spirit': De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi has urged his Tottenham team to play with "blood, character and spirit" as they battle to avoid a first relegation in 49 years on Sunday.

Barcelona's Putellas dismisses talk of future before Champions League final

Barcelona star Alexia Putellas on Friday refused to answer questions about her future beyond this season as the former Ballon d'Or winner prepares to lead the Catalans into the Women's Champions League final against Lyon.

Carrick appointed as Man Utd permanent coach

Michael Carrick said he wanted to make Manchester United challengers for major trophies again after the club confirmed him as their new permanent head coach on a two-year contract on Friday.

Italy's Bettiol claims Giro 13th stage, Eulalio holds lead

Alberto Bettiol won the 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia on Friday while Afonso Eulalio retained the overall lead as the contenders kept their powder dry ahead of a big weekend for the general classification.

Sabalenka poised to 'go for it' at Roland Garros

Aryna Sabalenka said Friday she is ready, in body and mind, to conquer clay and take a first Roland Garros title.

Latest Neuer injury 'no danger' for World Cup, say Bayern

Manuel Neuer's latest injury setback will not impact his participation at this summer's World Cup, Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl insisted on Friday.

Sinner says returning to Roland Garros 'special feeling' after 2025 final

World number one Jannik Sinner said on Friday that coming back to the home of the French Open was "nice" despite it bringing back memories of the iconic final last year, which he lost in five sets to Carlos Alcaraz.

PSG defender Hakimi bids to have rape case dismissed

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, who is facing trial for alleged rape, on Friday sought to have the case dismissed in court, AFP learned from a source close to the case.

Sinner stands between Djokovic and record 25th major crown at French Open

Novak Djokovic on Friday admitted world number one Jannik Sinner was the man to beat at Roland Garros as the imperious Italian stands on the brink of completing his career Grand Slam.

Tennis players 'ignored', want 'respect' in Grand Slam pay dispute

World number eight Taylor Fritz said Friday that tennis players' concerns about prize money have been "ignored" by Grand Slam tournament organisers, leading to their planned protest at the French Open, which Jannik Sinner says is about "respect".

Dethroned clay queen Swiatek 'willing to fight'

For the first time since 2022, Iga Swiatek comes into the French Open without the status of defending women's champion but, she said on Friday, "it doesn't matter".

Man City needed 'new energy' as Guardiola seeks break from coaching

Pep Guardiola said Friday he feared he would run out of the energy required to lead Manchester City after announcing his glittering 10-year tenure as manager will come to an end.

Tennis players 'ignored' but 'united' in Grand Slam pay dispute

World number eight Taylor Fritz said Friday that tennis players' concerns about prize money have been "ignored" by Grand Slam tournament organisers, leading to their planned protest at the French Open.

Tuchel has 'no fear' after omitting star names from England's World Cup squad

Thomas Tuchel said Friday he has no fears after leaving "extraordinary talents" out of England's World Cup squad, boldly stating his aim is to win the tournament.

Tennis players 'ignored' in pay dispute, says Fritz